"Joel", woodcut published in 1695, byJohann Christoph Weigel, at Pitts Theological Library.
Joel 2:27 - "...I am the LORD your God, and there is none else..."
This morning, in my journey through my ESV Study Bible, I come upon the Minor Prophet Joel.
He may be considered a minor prophet, but what a message he brings. Here are four key points, brought out by a 1982 message, from Dr. John Piper:
- God speaks through his prophet, and does these things, "So that you may know that I am God."
- If we wander from God, he will fight against us. He does this in this age to bring us back, and in the final age, he does this fighting to bring judgment against his foes.
- God desires that we rend our hearts, and not our garments. God desires our full attention, and devotion.
- Pray that God might turn his attention, and bring about the full outpouring, which was tasted at Pentecost.
A major calamity had just occurred where locusts had destroyed the land. The prophet Joel brings words directly from the lips of God. Furthermore, God desires that these words be taught to our children's, children.
The central theme of Joel's prophecy is this: The Day of the Lord is coming.
In many ways, locusts have devoured my fields. The plans that I had laid out, were clearly apart from a total devotion to God. My plans, frankly, were to enjoy the fruits of my labors, and recreate the rest of my days.
I am so thankful that I have a God who will oppose me, and fight against me, when I have moved my own way. Even though I ignored him, and put myself on the throne of my life, God love me enough to kick the stool out from under me.
I am still flat on my back, but at least I now know why I am on my back, and I am most pleased.
